The actress, who will appear in the BET original drama Being Mary Janenext year, told People StyleWatchthat her daily process is “painfully simple.” “I use a grapefruit cleanser because it smells good and it’s got salicylic acid,” she said. “If I’m having a breakout I’ll use something that’s acne specific, but usually it’s always my clear pore astringent and my trusty sunblock.”

SPF is a step the actress is encouraging African-American women, especially, not to forget. The actress is working with Neutrogena (where she’s been a brand spokeswoman since 2004) to promote the company’s Choose Skin Health campaign to fight skin cancer and educate people about prevention.

“As an African-American woman, culturally we have been told that we have natural protection against the sun — but we’re absolutely part of the one in five,” Union explains. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve seen relatives’ moles change shape, and they think ‘That’s cute — it’s like Janet Jackson!’ But it’s not cute — it’s called melanoma.” As part of the campaign, dermatologists from across the country are offering free skin cancer screenings.

Along with her easy — and healthy — skin care routine, the actress says she keeps her makeup fuss free when she's not working. “I pop on some lip gloss and mascara and I keep it moving,” she says.